SideStep Under Fire Over Data Access | Annapolis News

Baltimore’s SideStep program, designed to divert youth from the justice system, is facing intense scrutiny over data sharing and victim notification — even prompting the State’s Attorney to say it should stay out of the courtroom. Now, the city’s bringing in former D.C. AG Karl Racine for an independent review, paired with consulting firm Baker Tilly, expected to finish in 90 days. But the Inspector General, Isabel Cumming, says she’s been blocked from accessing key records — a move that’s sparked outrage from watchdog groups questioning why taxpayers are paying for a new probe when the IG could handle it if given the data. The Mayor’s office won’t disclose Racine’s fees, and a court battle over record access looms, with a hearing set for July 28. At the heart of it all: a standoff over transparency, with taxpayers footing the bill for a messy, information-starved investigation. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0a324e8f3def4080